Coco Bodu Hithi — North Malé Atoll, Maldives

When it comes to location, the Maldivian hotel brand Coco Collection, could not have picked a more desirable spot for its second property. Set on a tiny speck of an island in the country’s North Malé Attol, Coco Bodu Hithi is a slice of tropical heaven that feels as though it’s miles away from civilisation, but is in fact just a short 40-minute speedboat ride from the mosques, colourful buildings and bustling markets of Malé, the capital city.
On arrival, a long jetty, flanked by wind-shaped palm trees and lazy hammocks, sets up the wow factor, guiding the eye over dreamy clear blue waters and white sands to a dramatic glass-edged infinity pool and the hotel’s main restaurants. The boardwalk retreats into thick jungle foliage, where sandy lanes meander past secluded villas, to emerge on the other side to reveal raised wooden pathways that slice through the lagoon, leading to the resort’s overwater villas.
Wooden façades and thatched roofs provides an organic look that further enhances the resort’s traditional Maldivian charm, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame quintessential views of the sparkling sea and beyond. The timber-lined interiors are understated in a muted palette with a separate living area, bedroom and over-sized double bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers and a deep soaking tub for two. The highlight though, are the outdoor terraces, where four-poster day beds, private infinity pools and steps that lead directly into the ocean will make you never want to leave.
Throughout the hotel, overwater views have been highlighted to great effect, bringing a sense of idyllic tranquility as you spot the rich marine life below. Meanwhile, sunset views are especially evocative, best enjoyed on the outdoor yoga platform or with a pre-prandial cocktail in hand before indulging at one of the six in-house restaurants- in our opinion, the perfect end to a day spent snorkelling among the Hawksbill turtles, native Nurse sharks and abundance of colourful fish that can be found in the area.
ADDRESS
Bodu Hithi Island
North Malé Atoll
Maldives
Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms
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